2014 NFL Week 8 Preview

Emmanuel Sanders had one hell of a game last night, reeling in
three touchdown catches in the win.

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Thursday October 23, 2014 8:25pm
CBS, NFL Network -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

This is definitely the best Thursday night game this season. This game was most likely scheduled for Thursday night this year because the same game appeared last year on Thursday night. Those who remember well remember the Chargers giving the Broncos their first and only home loss of the season in that Thursday night game. The numbers show Philip Rivers loves playing in Denver. This was brought up last year, but many people dismissed it because this was now a Peyton Manning-led team. No one will be dismissing it this year. The Chargers, who were surprisingly rated #1 in the NBC Pro Football Talk power rankings after their win against the winless Raiders, are coming off a home division loss. Now they'll just get a road division loss.

San Diego Chargers 17 Denver Broncos 27

Update: San Diego Chargers 21 Denver Broncos 35

That was an impressive performance from Emmanuel Sanders, who has become a reliable target for Peyton Manning. Manning was upset as the crowd was loud when the offense was on the field towards the end of the game, resulting in a false start penalty. Nevertheless, the Broncos are rolling.

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday October 26, 2014 9:30am
FOX -- Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman
Wembley Stadium, London, United Kingdom

This is the second and much better game that will take place in Wembley Stadium this season. The Raiders played the Dolphins several weeks ago in a game here in London, and we hope the fans out there in the United Kingdom were aware those weren't two good teams. The Falcons aren't that good either, but at least they can score points and entertain those who may not entirely understand football. In years past, the playing surface hasn't been all that friendly. Still, it'll be a disappointment if the Lions lose despite the poor playing surface. The Lions have a tendency to lose a lot of games they probably should win. Their loss against the Bills is a prime example. By the way, this game is at 9:30 in the morning Eastern time. If you're on the West Coast, forget about watching this game. Just catch the highlights.

Detroit Lions 23 Atlanta Falcons 20

A.J. Green's touchdown in the season opener helped the Bengals
topple the Ravens. He'll most likely miss this one.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

The Bengals won the first meeting, a game that took place in Baltimore on the opening weekend of the season. The Bengals were looking good then. Their defense was impressive and it appeared Andy Dalton could have another season where he could manage the game and not make mistakes. It appeared the Bengals were on their way to a rather easy division crown. Not so fast! The Ravens have been cruising since that home loss, and they currently stand at 5-2 and atop the AFC North. Joe Flacco has developed a great rapport with newcomer Steve Smith, and it has resulted in a lot of explosive plays and touchdowns. Smith already has four touchdowns and is averaging over 16 yards a catch. It looks like the Ravens will return the favor and beat the Bengals on their home turf.

Baltimore Ravens 24 Cincinnati Bengals 21

Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Justin Kutcher, David Diehl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

I'm not really sure what to make of this game, or this Buccaneers team. The Buccaneers have had impressive performances against the Steelers and Saints, while they have laid complete eggs against the Falcons and Ravens. The Buccaneers lone win of the season came on the road against the Steelers, and this is a prime opportunity for them to get their second win. Mike Glennon has to prove to the organization that he can be their franchise quarterback. There has been no talk of that being the case by the team or media, but he's probably a guy who can impress over time. Teddy Bridgewater is getting his crash course on life as a starter in the league now, and while things haven't gone that bad, they haven't gone well.

Minnesota Vikings 10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13

St. Louis Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Dick Stockton, Donovan McNabb
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

If the St. Louis Cardinals would've advanced to the World Series, Game 5 would've been in Busch Stadium in St. Louis. That would've meant one matchup of Missouri teams taking place in Kansas City, while the other matchup of Missouri teams would've been taking place in St. Louis. When the Phillies and the Yankees were in the World Series in 2009, Game 4 of that series took place on the same day the Eagles and Giants faced off, making it a Philadelphia vs. New York day. Better yet, both games took place in stadiums right next to each other in Philadelphia. I digress. The Chiefs are starting to get things going with an important road division win last week. The Rams shocked people by getting an important division win as well against the defending champions. I still believe the Chiefs are much better than the Rams.

St. Louis Rams 13 Kansas City Chiefs 23

Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

This is easily the worst game of Week 8, but things are looking up for the Jaguars after they got their first win of the season against the Browns. Another home game against a weak team this week should mean another victory for the Jaguars.

Miami Dolphins 6 Jacksonville Jaguars 17

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

The Bills have played rather well since inserting Kyle Orton as the starter. They will certainly ride that until the end of the season. I fully believe the reports that said Jimbo Fisher told NFL executives and scouts E.J. Manuel wouldn't amount to a starter in the league. Fisher is obviously going to deny it, but many people saw Manuel at Florida State and he didn't exactly do a whole lot to suggest he can be a starter in this league. This will be the debut for Percy Harvin in a Jets' uniform. This shall be interesting. The Jets should win this. For the first time since Week 1, they don't have to face an above-average quarterback.

Buffalo Bills 14 New York Jets 23

Russell Wilson will look to elude Luke Kuechly and the Panthers
and get a much-needed victory.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

It's odd this game is coming on CBS. Anyway, these two teams both won their divisions and received first round byes in the playoffs last season. Now, they're struggling, and just looking for a win. I would put my money on the Seahawks because the Panthers' defense, a tremendous strength last season, looks horrible this year. The Seahawks' defense has been exposed as well, but Cam Newton isn't good enough to continue exposing the Seahawks' defense.

Seattle Seahawks 27 Carolina Panthers 10

Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Sam Rosen, John Lynch
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

If the Bears can't beat the Bills or the Dolphins at home, what makes you think they can beat the Patriots on the road? I'm not going to try to convince the Bears will win this game. Jay Cutler is simply who he is, and will never amount to a better quarterback the Bears probably expect he can be. The Patriots are also coming off of extra rest from their Thursday night game last week. That could mean they're a little rusty, or they're very prepared. I think they're very prepared.

Chicago Bears 17 New England Patriots 34

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday October 26, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
LP Field, Nashville, TN

Just like the Patriots/Bills game that was on FOX a couple of weeks ago, this AFC matchup will also take place on FOX. It should be noted that an NFC matchup between the Seahawks and Panthers this day also will be on CBS. I'm not entirely sure what the reasons are for the league and the networks doing this, but let's just hope it doesn't confuse Texans and Titans' fans looking for the game. It really doesn't matter, because both teams aren't must-see TV anyway. The Titans will roll with Zach Mettenberger as their starter now, so the days of Jake Locker could be over even when he gets healthy. I think Mettenberger has an impressive debut and a win.

Houston Texans 17 Tennessee Titans 23

Last year's game in Philadelphia ended in a little controversy. Both
teams, sitting at 5-1, hope that isn't the case this time around.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday October 26, 2014 4:05pm
FOX -- Chris Myers, Ronde Barber
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

This is a great game between two teams who currently sit at 5-1. The Cardinals' defense shouldn't have many problems with this offense. The Eagles' offense is a potent offense because they run plays at an amazing pace. Still, it didn't work against a 49ers' team that isn't exactly playing that well defensively. Outside of the loss to the Broncos, the Cardinals are playing very good defense. I expect this game to be close, but the Cardinals should come away with the victory.

Philadelphia Eagles 20 Arizona Cardinals 24

Oakland Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns
Sunday October 26, 2014 4:25pm
CBS -- Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH

The Browns had people believing they could continue their solid play. However, with a snoozer and disappointing loss to the Jaguars, it's the same old Browns. Despite the fact the Browns have been around average, Brian Hoyer's job isn't safe and it shouldn't be safe. Hoyer hasn't been playing too well, and he was disappointing in that loss to the Jaguars. It is great they are playing the Raiders. The Raiders will be coming in from the West Coast. The start time of the game is suitable for the Raiders, but they're simply not good enough for a road win right now.

Oakland Raiders 14 Cleveland Browns 31

Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday October 26, 2014 4:25pm
CBS -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

This is the game of the week, and it isn't that much of a good contest. However, it should be close because the Colts still don't have that ability to go on the road and get wins. It'll still be very hard for them to get a win in Pittsburgh, but they're very capable of doing so, especially after dispatching the Bengals easily. The Steelers were lucky to beat the Texans on Monday night, but they won't be so lucky here.

Indianapolis Colts 23 Pittsburgh Steelers 20

These two quarterbacks, arguably the best in the game, will do battle
in the Superdome on Sunday night.

Green Bay Packers vs New Orleans Saints
Sunday October 26, 2014 8:30pm
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

The Saints have a night game, and then have to play on Thursday next week. That wasn't a good job scheduling, but it wouldn't be much of a difference if they had an afternoon game. The Saints need a win here because they simply can't win any road games. At 0-4 on the road, it has become a challenge for them to contend. The best part of their struggles is the fact the entire division is struggling. This keeps the Saints in the driver's seat in the division despite their 2-4 record. It'll be impressive if the Packers can get a win in the Superdome. The Saints will put up a lot of points because they are comfortable in the dome. The Packers are capable of matching them, but I think the Saints will get a much-needed win.

Green Bay Packers 31 New Orleans Saints 38

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
Monday October 27, 2014 8:30pm
ESPN -- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Colt McCoy will start this one, but we all know McCoy isn't the long term answer for the Redskins. That is, unless, he has a complete turnaround and has been able to understand what it takes to be a starting quarterback in this league. Kirk Cousins has proved us wrong. He is not capable as a starter for a long period of time, making too many mistakes that have cost his team. He once told reporters he just wants to hand a solid team back to Robert Griffin III. He wasn't able to do that either. The Cowboys are rolling now, winners of six straight after dropping the season opener. I believe the Cowboys are the best team in the league currently, but they can't buy into the hype. They must continue running the ball and they will, even if DeMarco Murray were to eventually end up getting hurt.

Washington Redskins 10 Dallas Cowboys 31

2014 NFL Week 7 Preview

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Thursday October 16, 2014 8:25pm
CBS, NFL Network -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

The Jets will not be getting a win here, but the matchup between these two teams have always generated interest in the past. The Jets had a solid game plan against the Broncos, one that Peyton Manning couldn't figure out until close to the second half. The Jets should probably implement that game plan against the Patriots as well. It was similar to the game plan Rex Ryan implemented in the win against the Patriots in the 2010 postseason. They rushed three while dropping eight the majority of the game, and Brady found it difficult to find open guys. That's the Jets' only hopes of keeping things close.

New York Jets 10 New England Patriots 24

Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

The Dolphins came very close to beating the Packers, and really had an opportunity to close the door on that game when the Packers faced fourth down on their final offensive possession. They didn't but they should be positive about the loss and bring it into Soldier Field. The Bears did lose to the Bills at home in the opening week, so it's not impossible to beat the Bears there. However, their offense has clicked the majority of the time, as Jay Cutler loves his weapons. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett are all tall, athletic targets, which any quarterback wants to have. I expect the Bears to not have a letdown again at Soldier Field and take this game.

Miami Dolphins 14 Chicago Bears 27

Minnesota Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Tim Brando, Brendan Ayanbadejo
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

I don't think Teddy Bridgewater has been figured out yet, despite the poor performance he had this past Sunday against the Lions. He threw three interceptions and was sacked eight times, but that's more of a result of the Lions' much improved defense this season. The Bills should be able to win this game because they are at home and they aren't playing an offense as formidable as the offense they saw last week. Also, if the Bills can beat the Lions in Detroit, there should be zero reason why can't beat a Vikings' team much worse than the Lions.

Minnesota Vikings 13 Buffalo Bills 23

Both quarterbacks won their division last year and appears to be
on pace to do the same this season.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

This is definitely one of the best games of Week 7, as two division winners from last season square off in what could be a playoff matchup in January. The Bengals started off very well at 3-0, but a blowout loss to the Patriots, followed by a tie against the mediocre Panthers has brought the Bengals back a bit. The absence of A.J. Green could be a major issue, as he's a receiver Andy Dalton leans heavily on to make plays. I cannot see the Bengals coming into Indianapolis and getting a win, especially when the Colts are rolling after losing the first two games of the season.

Cincinnati Bengals 20 Indianapolis Colts 27

Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

Blake Bortles still doesn't have a win, but he isn't playing horribly. They're just not putting up enough points on the board, and they probably won't change against the improved Browns either. The Browns' confidence has soared, after demolishing the Steelers last week. When was the last time the Browns easily handled the Steelers? It probably wasn't in my lifetime, so the Browns and their fans are feeling good. They'll bring that confidence with them into Jacksonville and come away with a victory.

Cleveland Browns 21 Jacksonville Jaguars 10

The Saints barely beat a bad Buccaneers team in their last game. They'll
be looking to right their road woes.

New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Chris Myers, Ronde Barber
Ford Field, Detroit, MI

The Saints are coming off a bye week that was much needed, but things don't get easy as they go into Detroit and play against this much improved defense. This is the same defense that held Aaron Rodgers to just seven points. The key to the improvement was consistent play from the secondary. Also, Tahir Whitehead has filled in nicely for the injured Stephen Tulloch. They have their worries on offense, as Calvin Johnson may be out an extended period of time. That may doom them in this game as I look for the Saints to pull out a narrow victory.

New Orleans Saints 23 Detroit Lions 20

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Sam Rosen, John Lynch
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

The Packers have gotten it together offensively, but they still aren't a dominant team. They struggled in toppling the Dolphins last week, as it took a fourth down conversion and a touchdown with just two seconds remaining for the victory. Before last week, I would've said I don't trust the Panthers to come into Lambeau Field and pull out a win. After tying with the Bengals, they are certainly capable of doing so. However, playing against Andy Dalton and Aaron Rodgers are two different things. Expect Rodgers to keep the Packers' offense on the field and coast.

Carolina Panthers 20 Green Bay Packers 38

Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO

The Seahawks looked very shaky in their home loss to the Cowboys last week, but the Rams don't appear to be a team that can beat the Seahawks in this one. The Rams got off to a great start against the 49ers, but couldn't sustain it and got ran out of the dome. Doug Baldwin is one angry man, but as ESPN analyst and former football player Cris Carter put it, Baldwin is just an appetizer. Part of the reason why the offense has struggled is because Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse lack the ability to separate from decent cornerbacks. Russell Wilson does a great job of extending plays, but he can only do that for so long before he's figured out. Look for Percy Harvin to be more involved.

Seattle Seahawks 27 St. Louis Rams 17

Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Justin Kutcher, David Diehl
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

This win should automatically go to the Ravens, because trusting the Falcons to go anywhere and get a win is asking a lot. The Falcons have the offensive weapons, but their defense is so bad. Joe Flacco and Steve Smith will pick them apart all day long, and it wouldn't even be fair honestly.

Atlanta Falcons 17 Baltimore Ravens 31

Tennessee Titans vs. Washington Redskins
Sunday October 19, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
FedEx Field, Landover, MD

After Kirk Cousins dominated against the Jaguars and engaged in a shootout against the Eagles, there were calls for Cousins to permanently take the place of Robert Griffin III. I was one of those folks, but after several dismal performances in a row, many people have jumped off the bandwagon. Cousins threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals last week. He also threw three interceptions in the third quarter against the Giants several weeks ago, so he's turning the ball over in bunches. They get a break in their schedule, but I'll still pick the Titans in this one.

Tennessee Titans 13 Washington Redskins 10

This missed kick and subsequent no-penalty call kept the Chargers'
season alive last season.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday October 19, 2014 4:05pm
CBS -- Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

This is one of the best games of Week 7 as well, and I am going with the upset here. The Chiefs are still a good team with a good defense. The Chargers have the same as well, as I believe these teams are very even. NBC's Pro Football Talk had the Chargers at #1 in power rankings this week. I am not going that far, especially after they almost lost to the Raiders this past week. But the Chargers are better than last season. They just won't be better this Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs 24 San Diego Chargers 21

Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders
Sunday October 19, 2014 4:25pm
FOX -- Dick Stockton, Brady Quinn
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Carson Palmer returns to play in Oakland, not that it matters. His performance in both places aren't much different from each other anyway. Derek Carr played much better against the Chargers, but the Raiders still need a win. The signings of Lamarr Woodley and Justin Tuck have done absolutely nothing to make that team better. The Cardinals should continue to roll, especially now that they're seeing the Seahawks behind them in the NFC West race.

Arizona Cardinals 24 Oakland Raiders 10

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday October 19, 2014 4:25pm
FOX -- Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Eli Manning was spot on when he told reporters the team has a little growing up to do. Antrel Rolle and Jason Pierre-Paul specifically have a lot of growing up to do. Everytime a big division game comes around for the Giants, those two specifically start running their mouths. They should try keeping their mouths shut for a change and just playing the game. After being blanked on Sunday Night Football, they're doing exactly that. Expect the Giants to play much better. Still, it won't be enough for a win.

New York Giants 21 Dallas Cowboys 24

Peyton Manning is just two touchdowns away from tying Brett Favre
for most touchdown passes in league history.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday October 19, 2014 8:30pm
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

Peyton Manning has a chance to make history here, but he's going up against a solid defense. One of the surprises this year has been the play of Perrish Cox, who was nearly ousted out of the league because of rape allegations while he was a member of the Broncos. The departures of Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers left people wondering where the 49ers would go to fill the void. Cox has done a good job. Still, the Broncos will get the win, and Manning will definitely tie, needing only two to tie.

San Francisco 49ers 17 Denver Broncos 24

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Monday October 20, 2014 8:30pm
ESPN -- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

The Texans get one of the biggest breaks between games, as they played the Thursday night game in Week 6. Now playing on Monday night, they've had plenty of time to get over their disappointing loss to the Colts. Playing in Pittsburgh isn't as hard as it once was, as the Steelers have been very disappointing. Todd Haley is most likely on the way out, but how much longer can the team last with Mike Tomlin simply being a cheerleader? Tomlin should be on the hot seat if the poor play continues. I believe the poor play will continue, but not this game.

Houston Texans 10 Pittsburgh Steelers 17

NFL Week 5 Preview

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
Thursday October 2, 2014 8:25pm
CBS, NFL Network -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

The Vikings are waiting to see if Teddy Bridgewater can suit up for this game. He's currently questionable with an ankle injury suffered Sunday against the Falcons. When Bridgewater got hurt, I thought for a moment the Vikings don't have another quarterback on the bench. Then Christian Ponder trots out, and the guy who was once billed as the franchise quarterback for the team is now the third quarterback on the depth chart. He's fallen far. The Packers got themselves back on the right foot with their easy win over the Bears in Soldier Field. I look for another Thursday night blowout in this one.

Minnesota Vikings 10 Green Bay Packers 31

Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Thom Brennaman, David Diehl
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Despite the team's success last year, Cam Newton has been a game manager through most of his career, and the team was finally able to enjoy success when the defense began to play better. Last year, the Panthers' defense was very physical, and it was hard to score points against them. This year, the Steelers, who are average at best, was able to score at will against the Panthers in their stadium. This Panthers team is going right back to where it used to be, a sub-.500 team, unless their defense straightens out. Trusting Jay Cutler on the road is a hard thing for me to do. So I'll go with the home team in this one.

Chicago Bears 20 Carolina Panthers 24

Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker
LP Field, Nashville, TN

In what could easily be the most uninteresting game of Week 5, the Browns come off their bye week and face the Titans in Tennessee. Since their Week 1 impressive road win over the Chiefs, the Titans have been handled easily in the next three games. This is their opportunity for a win, but Jake Locker is dealing with a wrist injury. It appears he will play, but he's injury-prone so we'll see on Sunday. Even though the Titans have fallen on hard times, their three losses have come to good teams. I think they'll get a home win this week.

Cleveland Browns 17 Tennessee Titans 23

St. Louis Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

The Eagles finally suffered a loss, but here's a game where they can get back on the winning track. The Rams did announce Austin Davis will make another start, so Jeff Fisher is impressed with his play. Chip Kelly shouldn't be impressed with his team's offensive play this past Sunday against the 49ers. They scored 21 points, with 14 points coming off of special teams and the other seven was from a defensive touchdown. Their offense didn't generate anything until the final drive, in which they failed to score a touchdown and take the lead for the win. Look for the offense to explode.

St. Louis Rams 17 Philadelphia Eagles 34

In what seems to be the week of reunions, Osi
Umenyiora returns to MetLife Stadium.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

The Giants have been on fire offensively the past two games, so it appears they finally understand what to do in Ben McAdoo's West Coast offense. The Falcons lost a number of players to injury this past week, including their offensive line. You have to feel sorry for Matt Ryan in this one. His protection will most likely be an issue. Osi Umenyiora wishes he was with Big Blue rushing the quarterback in this one. Instead, he'll be making his return to MetLife Stadium with the Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons 16 New York Giants 30

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

The Saints only have five more road games coming up, so that's the great thing. At 0-3 on the road, things look troubling in New Orleans. They didn't even exactly dominate at home against the Vikings two weeks ago. If the Saints struggle in this one, then the defensive improvements they thought they were making from last season may be a wash, and the heat may be on Rob Ryan by the end of October. I can't fathom the Buccaneers getting another impressive road win like they just did against the Steelers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13 New Orleans Saints 27

Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

The Texans have had easy games en route to a 3-1 record, so look for them to come crashing down in this game against the red-hot Cowboys. The Cowboys entered the season with low expectations as Tony Romo was coming off of back surgery and they lost Sean Lee (injury) and DeMarcus Ware (free agency) on defense. It appears the Cowboys do very well with little to no expectations as they look like a very good football team dedicated to the run. I expect for that to continue for the Cowboys in this one.

Houston Texans 13 Dallas Cowboys 28

Bills' defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz returns to Ford Field
to coach against his former team.

Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
FOX -- Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber
Ford Field, Detroit, MI

Bills' defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz makes his return to the city of Detroit, where he was the head coach of the Lions for the past four seasons before being fired this past offseason. Who knows how the Lions will end up this season, but they're off to a good start and their defense is much more disciplined than what they were in the Schwartz era. Matthew Stafford is also more disciplined, not forcing throws to Calvin Johnson like he used to. It's still a small sample size for the Lions, but Schwartz would probably still have his head coaching job if the team did this for him.

Buffalo Bills 10 Detroit Lions 27

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

This is a pretty good matchup, and I can't believe they assigned Harlan and Gannon to this game. Sure, #1 team is covering Alex Smith's return to San Francisco, but they have put the Texans/Cowboys matchup ahead of this game. This game has the potential to be Game of the Week, as the Ravens are playing well since losing the season opener to the Bengals. The Colts have been thoroughly dominant against two weak division opponents, so this game is a better assessment of where the Colts are.

Baltimore Ravens 20 Indianapolis Colts 23

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday October 5, 2014 1:00pm
CBS -- Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

It would be very troubling if the Steelers lost this game. The Jaguars is one of the worst teams in the league still, and the Steelers just lost to one of the worst teams in the league last week when they lost to the Buccaneers. Not only did they lose to the Buccaneers, but they lost to them at home, which is very embarrassing. I don't think an embarrassing loss will happen in consecutive weeks for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers 24 Jacksonville Jaguars 17

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday October 5, 2014 4:05pm
FOX -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

The Cardinals come in at 3-0, but that should change after this game. The Cardinals sit at 3-0, but they could very easily be 0-3 right now. Quarterback play has been decent, but the Cardinals' defense has played spectacular, yet these games have been close. The offense hasn't done enough in order to compliment the defense, and they'll need offensive help to match wits with the Broncos' offense. The Chiefs and Seahawks did a good job against the Broncos in the past couple of weeks, so the offense for the Broncos is due.

Arizona Cardinals 17 Denver Broncos 31

New York Jets vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday October 5, 2014 4:25pm
CBS -- Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

The Jets are in the fourth game of a six-game stretch in which it almost seems impossible for them to get a win. They lost the first three games, all to NFC North opponents. The Chargers are up this week and flying out to the West Coast and trying to get a win there seems impossible for a struggling offense. They have the Broncos and Patriots in the next two weeks. The Patriots are struggling, so there's a chance there for the Jets. The Jets also beat them in MetLife Stadium last year. However, things just don't look good for the Jets in this game or the next couple of games.

New York Jets 13 San Diego Chargers 23

The most anticipated reunion of Week 5 is Alex Smith's return
to the Bay Area.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday October 5, 2014 4:25pm
CBS -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Alex Smith plays against the 49ers for the first time in his career. Smith was a member of the 49ers for eight seasons before being traded to the Chiefs. He lost his starting job in the 2012 season, despite completing 70% of his passes. This game is very similar to the 1994 game the Chiefs had with the 49ers. That game was in Arrowhead Stadium, and Joe Montana got his revenge against the 49ers by beating Steve Young. This time, the game is in the Bay Area. Can Alex Smith prove Jim Harbaugh wrong with a victory? I believe he will.

Kansas City Chiefs 24 San Francisco 49ers 20

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
Sunday October 5, 2014 8:30pm
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

The Bengals are riding high, coming into Foxborough at 3-0 with three convincing wins. On the other hand, the Patriots just got smoked by the Chiefs on Monday night, and Tom Brady was benched in the fourth quarter. Brady wasn't benched because he was ineffective. He was benched because they were down 41-7 at that point. There will be no comeback there. The Patriots are glad to be at home. They've only played one home game so far, so sitting at 2-2 is reasonable. People who are worried about the Patriots and their playoff hopes should not be worried. Despite the Patriots' struggles, the Jets, Bills and Dolphins are worse.

Cincinnati Bengals 16 New England Patriots 21

Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins
Monday October 6, 2014 8:30pm
ESPN -- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden
FedEx Field, Landover, MD

Kirk Cousins was riding after great performances against the Jaguars and Eagles. That came to a quick stop after the Giants harassed him routinely last Thursday. So Cousins will now have to face an even tougher defense in the Seahawks. Expect a score much like the score last Thursday in FedEx Field.

Seattle Seahawks 45 Washington Redskins 10